Becoming a drone pilot could cost $215 following new regulations in 2019

Kareem Gouda / January 10, 2018

New drone regulations will begin on June 1st and could cost Canadians up to $215 for the registration and testing required.
(BCIT News / Pixabay)

The federal government has adopted strict new regulations on how to own and operate drones in 2019.

Part of these restrictions involve passing a knowledge test and registering the drone with Transport Canada.

Dr. Eric Saczuk, instructor at the BCIT geomatics department, says needing to take a test and registration are moves in the right direction.

“The old regulations were vague and a registration program is required These two new requirements will work to at least make people think twice before flying them (drones) in an irresponsible manner.”

-Dr. Eric Saczuk, Instructor at BCIT Geomatics Department

Game of Drones

Starting on June 1st drones or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), according to Transport Canada, will be requiring some simple, but also costly, measures to meet new federal guidelines.

Micro-drones are drones below 250 grams in weight at takeoff. These require no additional certification or registration.

New regulations will affect the second category that ranges between 250gm and 25kg in weight. These drones are subject to registration and knowledge tests in order to operate legally.

This range is typically considered the vast majority of recreational users and pilots in this range will be required to pay up to $215 for full operational permissions.

Below is a breakdown of the costs the will take affect on June 1st:

RPA registration $5

Every drone over 250 gm to 25km in weight requires being a registered remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Drones over 25 kg also do not need to be registered, but require a special flight operations certificate instead.

This registration costs five dollars and can be done through the Drone Portal on the Government of Canada Website.

If you do not meet any 1 of these 3 conditions, you are conducting advanced operations.

For example, let’s say you fly your drone more than 30 metres (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders but in controlled airspace. This operation is advanced because you’re flying in controlled airspace even if you’re more than 30 metres (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders.

Be able to show your Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations and proof of registration when you fly your drone

Fly within the operational limits of your drone

According to the Government of Canada, you can only use drones that meet the safety requirements for the operation you want to conduct. This guide shows which drones meet the corresponding operations your should understand before you fly. Also, If you have a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations, you do not need a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations to conduct basic operations.

This is for more advanced use but the training here is similar to operating a plane since technically you are the drone’s pilot. Even if you never leave the ground you’re still responsible for the safety of those in and around the airspace.

https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/publications/tp-15263.html

Flight reviewer rating $125

These schools have self-declared that they provide training in line with Transport Canada standards.

Charges vary by company for flight review or training course. Fees are set by the drone flight schools.

This guide can show you where you can find a school that can grant your flight review